The 2007 Gruner Veltliner Rafesetzen, shares with the Engelberg a bright, slightly tart fruit expression, with rhubarb, huckleberry, and grapefruit predominating. Here a palpable density, glossy texture and lentil-like layer underlie the wine’s frisky acids and juicy refreshment. This should be versatile and stimulating for at least 3-4 years. On account of the hot, dry July, Neumayer says he only did one spraying against mildew and almost no manicuring of the foliage. He picked well into October, since he did not find he was risking such high potential alcohol as his 2006s had reached already in the early days of that month. These wines have what he calls the “cracking” of acidity that invigorates and refreshes. (Note that because of a change in importers at the beginning of this year, prices on these wines were not yet available to me, and the wines themselves will only begin arriving later in the year. Readers should consult my reviews of the 2006s in issue 177 for a ballpark idea of eventual retail prices.) The wines of this years’ Riesling collection chez Neumayer were all very slow to ferment and ended up completely dry at the upper twelve’s in alcohol.Importer: Winemonger, Los Angeles, CA; www.winemonger.com